Virginia Hunter Safety Course

Chapter 9: Hunting Techniques & Game Care

Not every hunting style will be effective in all situations. You will need to adapt to your surroundings and the particular game that you are hunting. Some techniques are more suited for hunting alone, while some are used when hunting with a group.

Still Hunting

This is a technique in which a hunter moves slowly through a hunting area looking for game animals. By moving slowly and stopping frequently to look and listen, there's a greater chance of spotting game. It works very well on windy or rainy days. A hunter must take great care with every step. Game animals are alerted quickly by unfamiliar sounds and could run away if they sense danger.

Hunters take advantage of all trees, blow downs, thickets and undergrowth to hide movement and to break up their outline in the woods. They are also mindful of wind direction. Remember the old saying about keeping the wind on your face. It's true. Because if the wind is blowing against you, your scent will be behind you rather than in the path of the game you wish to spot and harvest.